Safety on crazy roads

[velo]

This is a tough one because it's very specific to where you live. I'm not sure what the hazards are for you on the road. I think mostly, in addition to what has been said, it's important in all situations to be aware of other traffic. It sounds like that is mostly car traffic, but if you are in town, you need to be aware of foot traffic and other non-motorized vehicles. If you are more suburban or rural, figure out when it's safe to ride in full tuck (less visibility) and when to sit up high and get seen. Know how to occupy a lane to make a turn or other traffic move. Make eye contact with drivers when interacting in traffic... and be hesitant to make a bold move unless you have done so. Always use hand signals to show what you intend to do, and at busy intersections, even indicate "I'm going straight". I ride country roads (from my door - I was a serious cyclist when I bought and being able to ride from my door was #1 on the location aspect) and my riding in a lot of traffic is quite relative, but these are some things I think about each time. HTH!

[tealtreak]

I have had no problem with country roads that are frequented by other bikers and farm tractors. Though windy and narrow- drivers are accustomed to slowing down. Additionally, I have front and back blinkies and wear neon. It varies with location but all of the horrible accidents in our area have been in the city or suburbs, so I feel (probably falsely!) safe out in the farmland (other than farm dogs which is another issue!)

[FlyingScot]

Make your hand signals BIG and long-lasting. It may take a moment for a driver to figure out what you are telling him. Avoid riding at dusk or later if possible. If you must absolutely light yourself up. Blinkies front and back, high-viz jersey or vest (I have the Nathan vest), I also put a headlamp on my helmet and although it really doesn't look"cool" I have dayglo-green wheel lights that outline my wheels both front and back when in motion. I make quite a spectacle of myself but have had drivers actually thank me because there was no doubt I was there. Know the traffic laws and obey them so you don't get hurt or look like another jerky spandex-wearing cyclist. Finally, recognize that even though you have the right to be on any road that isn't restricted there are just some roads you shouldn't ride on period.

[luvmyguys]

Thanks to everyone. I got the blinky back light when I bought the bike, although I have no intention of riding after the sun goes down. But it's still a good safety measure. I rode a training loop that a local cycling club uses the other day, and it was a good road - not too much was two lane, no shoulder, and that part wasn't too busy traffic wise (well, none of it was all that bad, traffic wise, honestly). I'll just load up the bike and go to places where I feel like I can do the common sense things to stay safe, and not put myself in potentially bad situations to begin with.

This is safety related, but not necessarily crazy road related, but I've been using the app Glympse to send my whereabouts to dh if I'm going to be out riding alone for an extended period. It sends a link in an e-mail to whoever I designate, and for a certain period (or until I turn it off), that link can be used to track where I am.

[marni]

In addition to what everyone has said about riding safely in traffic I would like to add hold your line and stay calm. Train yourself to not react to a sudde honk by jerking the handlebars. Learn to look back signal and brake without changing your line of travel, Slow down and leave lots of safety distance ahead of you and to your side whenever possible, can't do much about behind you except be aware and look back when its safe to let them know you know they are there. Hold a steady speed and ride as evenly. Concentrate on being aware of what is going on around you by not wearing ear pods or blue tooth and finally I swear by my rear view mirror but always look back and double check before doing anything. Also continual experience helps. Like anything else, practice in baby steps by learning when the traffic periods and places are and avoiding them whenever possible.